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If You Only Drink Bourbon for the Rest of Your Life, Make It One of These 10

Bourbon isn't just for the Kentucky Derby anymore. This amazingly versatile spirit has jumped in popularity over the past few years, leaving vodka and gin in the dust.

We exploredthe difference between Bourbon, Whiskey, Scotch, and Rye and discovered that distillation in Kentucky isn't technically a requirement. Bourbon is any whiskey that is distilled from at least 51 percent corn and aged in new American oak barrels. These strict rules mean its quality can't be questioned, but the remaining 49 percent of the mash allows for plenty of innovation.

You can spend hundreds (yes, plural) on a bottle of bourbon these days, but is it really worth it to spend that much? We dove into the world of bourbon to check out our favorites, all available for less than $60.

1. Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit is arguably one of the best bourbons on the market and at one of the most affordable price points. The larger-than-normal percentage of rye in the mash makes it spicy and nuanced, layered with sweetness and flavors of wood.

At around $25, you can't go wrong. It can be mixed with anything, but I like it in a classic Manhattan.

Old Forester is America's original bourbon, created around 1871. It didn't stop production during Prohibition as it was authorized for "medicinal purposes." It is the perfect starter for bourbon fanatics at only $20.

Its caramel forward flavor is laced with cinnamon, citrus, and a little spice from the rye. It finishes smooth and silky, making it my go-to when I'm in the mood for a Whiskey Sour.

5. Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace is the home of the famous (and expensive) Pappy Van Winkle, but available for a much lower price point. The company is expanding like crazy, adding new warehouses to keep up with demand.

Sweet notes of brown sugar, molasses, and vanilla warm your palate (and your heart). At about $25, it won't break the bank and it won't disappoint. Make yourself a Mint Julep and you'll be a happy camper.

Jim Beam is a Kentucky staple. They have used the same formula since 1795, making them one of the oldest producers of bourbon in the country. While classic Jim Beam is always a good choice, Jim Beam Double Oak ages the bourbon in the original barrel and a second new barrel, amping up the wood and vanilla flavors.

It's full flavored and quite a bargain at around $25. These flavors pair perfectly with ginger beer, so make yourself a Kentucky Mule!

Woodford Reserve is one of the youngest players on the bourbon game, coming on the scene in 1996 and making a huge bid to sponsor the Kentucky Derby. Their claim to fame is small batch bourbon, which is hand crafted for ultimate quality.

For $40, you'll get fruit-forward acidity and intense nuttiness. This one is definitely my choice for a Brown Derby.

This small batch bourbon is produced by Jim Beam. Each barrel is aged for 9 years in traditional style, resulting in big oak flavor.

You might think this big flavor comes with a big price tag, but Knob Creek slides in right around $35. This super toasted bourbon has nuanced flavors of sweet caramel and fruit, making it a perfect Boulevardier.

Evan Williams is one of Kentucky's oldest distilleries, and it's also one of the finest. They are one of the only companies that still stamp the date each batch went into oak, right there on the bottle.

Single barrel aged with hints of caramel, vanilla, and orange, this $23 bottle goes down smooth. I like pairing these flavors with mint in a Bourbon Smash.